Leading Causes of Death for 72-Year-Olds

Old age is a natural stage of life that is bound to bring bodily changes and health concerns. As people age, they become more susceptible to various illnesses and medical conditions. For seniors, it is crucial to remain vigilant about their health, as the onset of a severe illness or a health problem can lead to life-threatening consequences. 72-year-olds, for instance, are considered to be at a high risk of experiencing severe health issues that can eventually cause death. This article presents an overview of the leading causes of death for 72-year-olds to help individuals take appropriate steps to prevent and manage them. By understanding these health issues, seniors and their loved ones can work together to stay healthy and live a longer, happier life. (Note: See here for 71-year-old causes of death or here for the most common causes of death for 73-year-olds.)

Leading Causes of Death for 72-Year-Olds (2021 CDC Data)

Cause of DeathTotal Deaths
Heart Disease19,550
Cancer18,826
COVID-1910,723
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease4,104
Diabetes2,995
Accidents (Incl. Overdoses)1,960
Kidney Disease1,362
Alzheimer's Disease1,192
Septicemia1,135
Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis)1,088
Flu (Non-COVID)925
Parkinson's Disease885
Suicide459
Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids394
Nutritional Deficiency265
Anemias142
Enterocolitis127
Peptic Ulcer111
Gallbladder Disorder102
Viral Hepatitis77
Homicide69
Congenital Malformations68
Hernia50
HIV35

According to the latest CDC data, heart disease and cancer remain the top two leading causes of death for 72-year-olds in the US, with heart disease accounting for 19,550 deaths and cancer accounting for 18,826 deaths in 2021. This is not surprising, as these two diseases have been the leading causes of death for Americans for decades.

However, what is concerning is that COVID-19 has become the third leading cause of death for 72-year-olds, with 10,723 deaths in 2021. This underscores the devastating impact that the pandemic has had on older populations in the US, particularly those with underlying health conditions.

Other notable causes of death for 72-year-olds include chronic lower respiratory disease (4,104 deaths), diabetes (2,995 deaths), and accidents (including overdoses) (1,960 deaths). These causes of death highlight the need for continued efforts to prevent and manage chronic diseases, as well as efforts to address the opioid epidemic.

It is also important to note that certain causes of death, such as suicide (459 deaths) and homicide (69 deaths), may be preventable with appropriate interventions and mental health support. These deaths highlight the need for increased awareness and resources for mental health and suicide prevention.

Overall, the CDC data on causes of death for 72-year-olds highlights the ongoing need for public health interventions to prevent and manage chronic diseases, address the opioid epidemic, and support mental health and suicide prevention efforts.

Top Causes of Death for Age 72 Men

Cause of DeathTotal Deaths
Heart Disease11,860
Cancer10,362
COVID-196,224
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease2,051
Diabetes1,719
Accidents (Incl. Overdoses)1,274
Kidney Disease708
Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis)664
Parkinson's Disease599
Septicemia570
Flu (Non-COVID)502
Alzheimer's Disease460
Suicide378
Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids257
Nutritional Deficiency138
Anemias74
Peptic Ulcer69
Gallbladder Disorder63
Enterocolitis58
Viral Hepatitis44
Homicide38
HIV35
Congenital Malformations28
Hernia25

Analysis of the mortality data for 72-year-old men shows that heart disease and cancer are the top two causes of death, with heart disease resulting in the highest number of deaths (11,860) and cancer being the second leading cause of death (10,362). Other noteworthy leading causes of death include COVID-19 (6,224 deaths), chronic lower respiratory disease (2,051 deaths), diabetes (1,719 deaths), and accidents (including overdoses) (1,274 deaths).

In addition, liver disease (including cirrhosis) resulted in 664 deaths, Parkinson’s disease caused 599 deaths, and septicemia caused 570 deaths, making them amongst the leading causes of death for 72-year-old men. Alzheimer’s disease resulted in 460 deaths, while suicide accounted for 378 deaths, and influenza (non-COVID) resulted in 502 deaths.

Peptic ulcer, viral hepatitis, and homicide were amongst the causes of death for 72-year-old men with fewer deaths. Furthermore, the deaths resulting from hernias, enterocolitis, and congenital malformations were extremely low, with only 25, 58, and 28 deaths respectively.

In summary, heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death for 72-year-old men, with COVID-19 also emerging as a significant leading cause of death in 2021. Chronic lower respiratory disease and accidents, including overdoses, were also amongst the leading causes of death for this population.

Common Causes of Death for 72-Year-Old Women

Cause of DeathTotal Deaths
Cancer8,464
Heart Disease7,690
COVID-194,499
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease2,053
Diabetes1,276
Alzheimer's Disease732
Accidents (Incl. Overdoses)686
Kidney Disease654
Septicemia565
Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis)424
Flu (Non-COVID)423
Parkinson's Disease286
Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids137
Nutritional Deficiency127
Suicide81
Enterocolitis69
Anemias68
Peptic Ulcer42
Congenital Malformations40
Gallbladder Disorder39
Viral Hepatitis33
Homicide31
Hernia25

The mortality data for 72-year-old women shows that cancer is the leading cause of death, accounting for 8,464 deaths in 2021. Heart disease follows closely as the second most common cause of death, with 7,690 deaths reported. COVID-19 is the third most common cause of death, accounting for 4,499 deaths in this group.

Other common causes of death for 72-year-old women include chronic lower respiratory disease (2,053 deaths), diabetes (1,276 deaths), and Alzheimer’s disease (732 deaths). Accidents (including overdoses) are responsible for 686 deaths in this group.

It is noteworthy that certain causes of death, such as suicide (81 deaths), homicide (31 deaths), and nutritional deficiency (127 deaths), while contributing to a smaller number of deaths, still warrant attention from public health officials.

Overall, the data emphasizes the importance of efforts to prevent and manage chronic diseases, particularly cancer and heart disease, for women in this age group. Additionally, efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and improve mental health resources may help to reduce mortality rates due to these causes.

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